Is the word ‘cunt’ misogynistic in the U.K.?

[QueenArseClangers]

Just that really. I’ve noticed it being a sentiment more common in the US than over here.

In Glasgow it is more likely to be applied to men but is unisex. It is not necessary an insult for some it is interchangeable with ‘person/guy’

‘He’s a funny cunt after a few beers’ as an example.

My Nan used it all the time, term of endearment really. She called me it about 20 times a day!

@chipperfish’s comments certainly ring true for me.

I love a good cunt. It's very powerful.

Hate the word. I find it quite extreme.

I'd rather be called a cunt than a twat. I use cunt for males and females.

I was horrified when I moved to Northern Ireland and heard it used conversationally for the first time. It's used constantly here, by men, women, old and young. I'm hugely de-sensitised to it now and it's used as a term of endearment or a vehement curse. In my experience here it's not misogynistic just overused.

@DidoLamenting

In Scotland it pretty much means mateIn Scotland it pretty much means mate

It certainly does not.

Yeah, not in Scotland, it’s the word used to describe the people you really like, and the word used to describe the people you really don’t?

No it isn't.

Unless you are from Glasgow
in which case it can be used simultaneously for - your worst enemy, your best friend, as a collective noun, and possibly punctuation

Claptrap.

You are speaking for yourselves. I'm so bored with this nonsense that everyone in Scotland goes around swearing all the time.

But it is very common for many Glaswegians to swear a lot. You might be bored of it but I don't think there is any other city in the world where the people can use swear words in such a vivid and descriptive way. 😂

I've heard men being threatened with "ill kick your cunt in" even though the don't possess one. But, maybe I just mix with the riffraff. 🤣

Ok, so not every Scottish person ever uses it, but it certainly is a common use of the word in many circles here. So not “claptrap” but I’m assuming from your use of that word when most people would say “bollocks” you are not a fan of swearing in general.

@chipperfish

Unless you are from Glasgow in which case it can be used simultaneously for - your worst enemy, your best friend, as a collective noun, and possibly punctuation

I'm afraid I conform to type and use it much more than I should...it's an equal opportunity swear but I reckon I probably use it more about men if it's being used in anger

I'm with Dido. I know the word has long interesting colourful and illustrious history. And some people use it quite casually. But I still find it very harsh and a bit of a shock. And I swear liberally. And I'm Scottish.

I'd rather be called cunt affectionately than have 'love' spat at me by some sexist wanker.

And the status as 'worst word ever' does rather imply there's something wrong with cunts. It's a much nicer word than vagina (scabbard/sheath, which reduces vaginae to a holder for penises). Why did the less misogynistic word become the 'worst'? Misogyny.

Is that what vagina means MrsTerryPratchett? Didn't know that. It's horrible, as if that is it's whole purpose.

It can be used in context of being a beautiful and historic word, yes. But more often the intent aligns with the misogyny, I think.

Ok, so not every Scottish person ever uses it, but it certainly is a common use of the word in many circles here. So not “claptrap” but I’m assuming from your use of that word when most people would say “bollocks” you are not a fan of swearing in general

I find the competitive swearing on MN tedious in the extreme. I think it's silly, childish and unimaginative "ooh look at me, I'm so uninhibited"

The constant assertion that everyone in Scotland goes around swearing cheerfully at their friends has certainly not been my experience of 61 years living in various places , including Glasgow.

@chipperfish There is a place in North Wales where 'Iawn cont?' (Ok cunt?) is used as a term of endearment between friends XD

So not “claptrap” but I’m assuming from your use of that word when most people would say “bollocks” you are not a fan of swearing in general

Why would I aspire to be like "most people"?

@Bmidreams XD

I don’t think so.
Obviously if you look at the etymology of the word, then it is, but when you look at the usage it most certainly isn’t aimed solely at women the way it is in say, the US.
Men here use it towards other men frequently

Maddening that we have been socialised to believe that a word for female genitalia is too horrifying for public use... Have a look at Reclaiming Cunt from Eve Ensler's fabulous Vagina Monologues 😉

I run a department within a B cat male prison. It's the one word I won't allow in my presence.

It’s just a word.

Hm. I've tried reclaiming it, during my phase of what is generally called 'liberal feminism', round here. It's used as a vitriolic misogynistic slur. I don't use it.

I do not like the use of cunt as an insult. I suppose it's misogynistic in that it uses a definitively female part to slur a person with plain nastiness. So female=bad. Unlike arse. I'd far rather call a person an arse - a producer of crap. Very straightforward. No comment on their sex or anybody else's. Dick seems less misandrist, because it refers to a behaviour, implies a man who has given up his thinking ability to his dick - something which women cannot do.

I think a MNer may have said it:

"Please do not call this creature a tit or a cunt. Tits & cunts belong to women. They are useful things & serve a purpose. Humankind would not have survived without tits & cunts."

Yes, it is as Scrimshaw said. It is vicious when directed as an insult at a woman but is often excused as harmless or not misogynistic.